Com Pro - Parasitic Gestures Flashcards
What are parasitic gestures?
Subconscious, repetitive movements that occur due to stress or nervousness during public speaking.
Why are parasitic gestures problematic in public speaking?
They distract the audience and undermine the speaker’s credibility.
What is an example of a physical parasitic gesture?
Fidgeting with jewelry, tapping fingers, or leg bouncing.
What is a common vocal parasitic gesture?
Overuse of fillers like ‘um,’ ‘like,’ or ‘you know.’
How can facial expressions become parasitic gestures?
Through awkward smiles, lip biting, or darting eye movements.
What is the impact of parasitic gestures in professional settings?
They can reduce authority and make the speaker appear nervous or unprepared.
What is the definition of parasitic gestures?
Unintentional, repetitive movements or habits caused by nervousness or lack of awareness.
What role does eye contact play in managing parasitic gestures?
Maintaining eye contact projects confidence and reduces nervous tics.
Why do parasitic gestures often appear during presentations?
Because speakers feel stressed, anxious, or unsure.
What are examples of movement-based parasitic gestures?
Pacing back and forth, swaying, or overusing hand gestures.
What are vocal fillers and why should they be avoided?
They are unnecessary words like ‘um’ or ‘so’ that disrupt speech flow.
How can speakers reduce parasitic gestures?
By increasing self-awareness and practicing controlled body language.
What is the purpose of the ‘Spot the Gesture’ activity?
To help students identify parasitic gestures in public speaking examples.
Why is the ‘Silent Speaker’ activity effective?
It teaches students to communicate through purposeful gestures and recognize distracting movements.
What strategy can help control fidgeting during a speech?
Anchor your hands on a podium or table.
Why is posture important in public speaking?
It helps project confidence and reduces nervous habits.
How can excessive hand movements affect audience engagement?
They can distract the audience and shift focus away from the message.
What role do parasitic gestures play in job interviews?
They can signal insecurity and negatively impact first impressions.
Why should speakers manage parasitic gestures in business presentations?
To keep the focus on data and key messages rather than distracting movements.
How can product pitches suffer from parasitic gestures?
Excessive movements can appear unprofessional or overly frantic.
What is the impact of parasitic gestures in motivational speeches?
They can reduce emotional impact and weaken audience connection.
What is the core strategy for managing parasitic gestures?
Replace distracting movements with purposeful, controlled gestures.
Why is self-awareness key in eliminating parasitic gestures?
Recognizing triggers helps speakers control their body language.
What is a simple tip for reducing nervous movements?
Practice grounding techniques and controlled breathing.
What is the final takeaway about parasitic gestures?
Mastering body language is essential to delivering a clear and impactful message.
